Yes, a tornado can lift a person.
Tornadoes are powerful rotating columns of air that can reach speeds of over 300 miles per hour. This intense wind force can easily lift objects, including people, off the ground.
How Tornadoes Lift People
- Wind Speed: The high wind speeds generated by a tornado create a strong upward force that can overcome the weight of a person.
- Low Air Pressure: The low air pressure at the center of a tornado creates a suction effect that can pull objects, including people, upwards.
- Debris: Tornadoes often pick up debris, which can be thrown with great force and can strike people, causing injuries or even death.
Examples
- In 2013, a tornado in Oklahoma lifted a car with a person inside, carrying it for a short distance before dropping it.
- There have been numerous documented cases of people being lifted and thrown by tornadoes, resulting in serious injuries or fatalities.
Safety Tips
- If you are in the path of a tornado, seek shelter in a sturdy building's basement or lowest level.
- If you are caught outdoors, lie flat in a ditch or low-lying area and cover your head with your hands.
- Stay away from windows and doors.
